GHASSAN ALSERAYHI
 MSc. Arch, M. Arch, B. Arch, Assoc. SCE

ARCHITECT + EDUCATOR + RESEARCHER
ECHOES IN THE MARGINS
MARGINALIA’S ALCHEMY IN TRANSMUTING REALITIES


SUBJECT: INDEPENDENT STUDY
TYPE: DESIGN RESEARCH EXPERIMENT
INSTRUCTOR: PERRY KULPER
DATE: 2023
In historical context, texts have been predominantly monologic, conveying a singular perspective. Marginalia, by contrast, introduces a dialogic element, allowing for debate and conversation directly within the medium. The margins become a dynamic territory where  various interpretations and perspectives intersect. This notion echoes Mikhail Bakhtin’s idea of dialogism, where multiple voices coexist, challenging and reshaping each other. Marginalia thus transforms the text into a dynamic, living conversation. The presence of marginalia reflects the mutability of text and thought. In line with the philosophical tradition of dialectics, as seen in the works of Hegel and later Marx, marginalia embodies the thesis-antithesis-synthesis process. It encourages a constant rethinking and revision of ideas, pushing the boundaries of the original text.


The act of annotating margins blurs the lines between reader and author, reminiscent of Roland Barthes’ concept of ‘The Death of the Author.’ In this space, the reader becomes a co-creator of meaning, challenging traditional notions of  authorial intent and textual authority.

Drawing parallels between marginal notes and marginalized societal voices yields deep insights. Marginal notes’ ability to redefine texts suggests significant potential in elevating marginalized topics and voices. This perspective prompts rethinking central themes in intellectual and social narratives. Embracing marginalia aligns with Thomas Kuhn’s paradigm shifts concept, challenging traditional prioritization logic and urging a reevaluation of importance in texts and society.

















         





       
Digital Sculpting as an Instrument for ‘Marginalia’

The essence of this exploration lies in the role of ‘instrumentality’ in producing visual taxonomies as dynamic territories. Capable of adding and subtracting elements, this approach doesn’t not only shape the physical form but also echo the fluidity of thought and discourse found in marginalia. They act as instruments that facilitate a dialogue between the text and its margins, constantly evolving and adding depth to the narrative.

In the realm of digital sculpting, a unique dialogue emerges, intertwining the temporal dynamics of creation with the philosophical exploration of marginalia.



Between Mining and
Layering Ideas

Utilizing 3D scanned historical references, the work produces itself as a captured moment of decision-making, represents a continuum of thought. The process of adding and subtracting during sculpting is akin to the evolution of marginalia, where each layer adds depth and perspective to the main narrative.

These sculptures become abstract depictions of dialogue, embodying the interplay between mainstream narratives and marginal perspectives, challenging norms and offering alternative viewpoints. it’s a deep inquiry into how we communicate, prioritize, and understand ideas.
































Through a series of ‘what if’ scenarios, the work attempts to parallel the questioning nature of marginalia ‘rooted’ in the history of ideas. It challenges the status quo by asking what is important and who decides what is central or peripheral. This mirrors broader societal dynamics, questioning who holds the power to shape narratives and which voices are amplified or silenced. Both in sculpting and in writing, these decisions reveal the power structures that govern ideational expression and intellectual discourse.













The work relies on world building in constructing a kind of cosmology of ideas, grounds (written and visual) and links to conversations that the work wants to have or might want to have without necessarily knowing it yet—touching on the kinds of things that point towards the work’s interests.